Our readers may be familiar with Bodegas Eguia, as we gave a high rating to one of their Rioja Reservas a few years back. This is the Crianza, which by definition is lighter and fresher than the more dense and oak-fueled Reserva.
Founded in the 1920’s, Bodegas Eguia is located in the basque town of Eltziego in Rioja. It has passed through several families and is now owned by Jose and Julian Murua of the nearby Bodegas Muriel. The tiny town of Eltziego is home to several other wineries, too. This includes the well-known Marqués De Riscal, as well as the wonderful Bodegas Luberri Monje Amestoy.
Here are our tasting notes: fresh blackberries and fennel on the nose, along with a whiff of burnt cinnamon. The fruit moved from black fruit to cranberry on the palate, with a wealth of spicy notes, including bay leaf and sandalwood. This is an elegant wine with a Burgundian frame: fresh, nuanced, and delicate.
Food pairings for this style of wine are incredibly easy. Wines with lighter tannins and body — but with more acidity and complex flavors — tend to play well with nearly all European and North American cuisines. This may be the perfect “house wine” for your dinner table.